EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
Recent Searches
As Europe’s cybersecurity regulations move from policy to practice, certification is becoming the decisive factor that determines who can operate, compete, and grow in the Digital Single Market. That is why we have created this report —to help leaders, practitioners, and policymakers understand how European cybersecurity certification is reshaping compliance, risk management, and market access, and what actions are required next.
At the beginning of 2026, the European Union stands at a critical point in the development of a trusted Digital Single Market. The regulatory changes introduced over the past year are no longer theoretical frameworks—they are now shaping supervisory expectations, procurement requirements, and board-level accountability across the EU. Organizations are actively adjusting to the realities of NIS2 enforcement, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) lifecycle obligations, and the first operational European cybersecurity certification schemes.
What has become clear is that cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical or compliance-driven function. It has evolved into a strategic governance issue, directly affecting market access, risk management, and corporate resilience. As legal requirements multiply, executives, security leaders, and policymakers face a shared challenge: transforming an expanding body of regulation into concrete, verifiable actions that meaningfully reduce cyber risk while sustaining business continuity and growth.
Cybersecurity certification has moved beyond its former role as a voluntary mark of quality. It is increasingly functioning as a de facto entry requirement for public procurement and high-value B2B markets. The emerging principle of “certify once, sell anywhere” positions certification as a cornerstone of digital trust—aligning technical standards, supply-chain due diligence, and corporate governance within a single, measurable compliance framework.
What the report covers
This white paper is designed to take readers from the strategic “why” to the operational “how” of European cybersecurity certification. It examines certification as a market-shaping instrument, its role in supporting NIS2 compliance and enterprise risk management programs, and its growing importance within EU-level harmonization efforts. The report also addresses practical domains such as supply-chain security, lifecycle security for products with digital elements, and policy cooperation—offering actionable insights for boards, security and compliance teams, and public authorities.
In addition, as a complement to the core content of the report, we present the findings of Certification Awareness survey commissioned by EY across several European countries. These results illustrate how entities approach certification and provide a snapshot of the current state of compliance in this area.
Why read this report now?
- Certification schemes are becoming enforceable, not optional
- Supervisory authorities increasingly expect certified products and services
- Market access, procurement eligibility, and governance accountability are converging
Consumers today are becoming increasingly aware and knowledgeable across various industries, with a stronger understanding of their rights. As a result, keeping up to date with existing certification options, particularly those in the area of cybersecurity of products, is becoming essential. This awareness plays an important role in making conscious purchasing decisions.
Justyna Wilczyńska-Baraniak
EY Law Poland, Partner, Intellectual Property, Technology and Personal Data Team Leader
Direct at your mail
Subscribe EY newsletters